If you enjoy a classic Pokémon experience, start with Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen.
Choosing what Pokémon game to play can feel overwhelming. With so many versions spanning generations, regions, and consoles, knowing where to begin is tricky. The question, “what Pokémon game should i play,” often pops up for newcomers and returning trainers alike.
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of options, but a good place to start is with a straightforward adventure. Older games provide a simple but very solid core experience, they offer a great introduction.
What Pokemon Game Should I Play?
Picking the right Pokémon game can feel like choosing your very first starter Pokémon – exciting, but a bit overwhelming! With so many adventures across different regions, generations, and consoles, where do you even begin? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the world of Pokémon and find the perfect game for you. This guide will break down the different types of Pokémon games and help you find one that suits your style and interests.
Understanding the Core Pokémon Experience
Before we dive into specific games, let’s talk about what makes a Pokémon game, well, a Pokémon game! Most titles share these common elements:
- The Journey: You start as a young trainer, leaving your hometown to explore the world. Your main goal is usually to become the very best, like no one ever was! This involves battling other trainers and gym leaders.
- Catching ‘Em All: A big part of the fun is catching all kinds of Pokémon. Each game features hundreds of different creatures to find, train, and evolve.
- Battles: Pokémon battles are a core mechanic. You use your Pokémon’s unique abilities to outsmart and defeat your opponents. Different Pokémon have different types, like Fire, Water, and Grass, which interact in a rock-paper-scissors style.
- The Story: Each Pokémon game has its own story, often involving a villainous team and legendary Pokémon. These narratives add an extra layer of depth and purpose to your journey.
Classic Adventures: The Original Series
These are the games that started it all. If you’re looking for a nostalgic experience or want to see where the Pokémon craze began, these are great choices.
Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
These are the first Pokémon games ever created! They take place in the Kanto region, and you start with one of three starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.
- Pros: They’re historically important and offer a very classic Pokémon experience. It’s where many of the iconic Pokémon were first introduced.
- Cons: They can feel a bit dated compared to newer games. They lack some of the features and quality-of-life improvements that later games added.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
These are remakes of Red and Blue. They feature improved graphics and sound, as well as some new features. If you want to explore Kanto with a more modern feel, these are great options. They are playable on Gameboy Advance.
- Pros: They are more accessible for new players, while still capturing the essence of the original games.
- Cons: They are still fairly old games, and they may not be as complex as some of the newer entries.
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
These games introduce the Johto region and bring new Pokémon, including the starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. They also added features like breeding and Pokémon genders. These games are playable on Gameboy Color.
- Pros: They add more to the formula, making the experience bigger and more rich.
- Cons: Can be difficult to find, and may not be as user friendly for new players.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
These are remakes of Gold and Silver, offering modernized graphics and features. They even let you have your Pokémon follow behind you on the overworld! These games are playable on Nintendo DS.
- Pros: An excellent way to experience the Johto region with all the modern comforts.
- Cons: They might be a little expensive to buy now, since they are not the newest titles.
The Modern Era: New Regions and Innovations
The newer Pokémon games bring bigger worlds, more complex stories, and exciting new mechanics.
Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Set in the Hoenn region, these games introduce double battles and Pokémon Contests. The starters are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These games are available on Gameboy Advance.
- Pros: They have a great variety of Pokemon to catch and the double battles add a new tactical element.
- Cons: They are older games, and might not have the same kind of access as the newer ones.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
These are remakes of Ruby and Sapphire with upgraded graphics and some extra story elements. It’s Hoenn like you’ve never seen it before, they are playable on Nintendo 3DS.
- Pros: Improved visuals and gameplay, they provide an accessible route to the Hoenn region.
- Cons: Might be more fun to experience the original before going for the remakes.
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
These games introduce the Sinnoh region and some truly unique Pokémon. Your starters are Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. These games are playable on Nintendo DS.
- Pros: A really good story, and a solid Pokemon experience.
- Cons: Can be slow paced at times for some players.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
These are faithful remakes of Diamond and Pearl. They have a cutesy art style, and add some quality of life changes, playable on Nintendo Switch.
- Pros: A great way to re-experience Sinnoh with modern touch.
- Cons: Might not be the most visually appealing due to its chibi style.
Pokémon Black and White
These games take place in the Unova region, and feature a unique story and all new Pokémon (none from previous regions before the main storyline is complete). They are playable on Nintendo DS. The starters are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.
- Pros: A refreshing change from previous games, this has a strong focus on its narrative and has very memorable characters.
- Cons: The fact that all Pokemon from previous games are absent at the start can feel very isolating for some players.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
These are direct sequels to Black and White, which are set two years later. They introduce new characters and explore the Unova region from a different perspective. They are also playable on Nintendo DS.
- Pros: They expand on the story and themes presented in the first game, they have more to explore.
- Cons: They require playing the first game to fully understand, thus it’s necessary to buy both games.
Pokémon X and Y
These games introduce the Kalos region and the Fairy type. This generation introduces Mega Evolution, the Pokemon transformations, they are playable on Nintendo 3DS. Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie are the starters.
- Pros: This generation features beautiful visuals, and has a deep customization system.
- Cons: Can be easier than previous titles, this can be a bit boring for veteran players.
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Set in the Alola region, these games are unlike previous titles, replacing gyms with trials, Z-Moves, and some very unique Pokémon and region based forms, they are playable on Nintendo 3DS. Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio are the starters.
- Pros: They feature a great cast of characters, and the story is a lot more intricate.
- Cons: The hand-holding can feel overwhelming at the start of the game.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
These games are expanded versions of Sun and Moon. They offer new story elements and features. They are also playable on Nintendo 3DS.
- Pros: They build on the previous story, and feature some new Pokemon and challenges.
- Cons: They are very similar to the first titles, which makes them less of an impact.
Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
These games are remakes of Pokémon Yellow, aimed at new and younger players. They have simplified mechanics and integrate the catching style of Pokémon Go, they are playable on Nintendo Switch.
- Pros: They are fun games to play with children, it’s very accessible to new players.
- Cons: Veteran players might find it a bit too easy.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
These games introduce the Galar region and Dynamaxing, which makes Pokémon giant in battles. They are available on the Nintendo Switch. Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble are the starters.
- Pros: They have a huge open world area, the story is also solid and memorable.
- Cons: Some areas are very linear, some areas lack detail.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
These are faithful remakes of Diamond and Pearl. They have a cutesy art style, and add some quality of life changes, playable on Nintendo Switch.
- Pros: A great way to re-experience Sinnoh with modern touch.
- Cons: Might not be the most visually appealing due to its chibi style.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
This game takes place in a historical Sinnoh region. It is a huge change in formula, being a more open world game, focusing on exploration and real time Pokemon catching. It is playable on Nintendo Switch.
- Pros: A very refreshing take on the Pokemon formula, it’s a very original title in the franchise.
- Cons: Some performance issues might take you out of the experience.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
These games take place in the Paldea region. They’re open world and feature a multi-path storyline, and have some very new and interesting Pokémon. The starters are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. They are playable on Nintendo Switch.
- Pros: The open world is very good, and exploring the area is a joy.
- Cons: Performance issues and glitches still persist.
Spin-off Games: Exploring Different Genres
Besides the main series games, there are also spin-offs that explore different gameplay styles:
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Series
You play as a Pokémon and explore dungeons with your team. If you enjoy roguelike games, you might like this series. Some of the most notable titles in this series include “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX”, “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky”, “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity”.
Pokémon Ranger Series
These games are set in different regions and you play as a Pokémon Ranger, using special abilities to capture and help Pokémon. Some of the most notable titles include “Pokémon Ranger”, “Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia”, “Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs”
Pokémon GO
This is a free mobile game that lets you catch Pokémon in the real world using your phone’s GPS. It’s a great way to get some exercise and be social, as well as catching virtual Pokemon. It’s available on Android and iOS.
Pokémon Stadium and Colosseum
These games focus on battling and strategy. They’re great for people who like to battle competitively. Stadium is available on N64, and Colosseum is available on Gamecube.
New Pokémon Snap
This game is a photography adventure, where you take pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. It’s a relaxed and fun experience, available on Nintendo Switch.
Choosing the Right Game for You
Okay, so you’ve seen a lot of options! To help narrow it down, consider these questions:
Are You a Nostalgia Seeker?
If you want to experience the original games or games from your childhood, check out the classic options like Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow, or their remakes like FireRed, LeafGreen, or HeartGold, SoulSilver.
Are You a Story Lover?
If you like a good story in your video games, then Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Black 2 and White 2 have a very interesting and complex story that might appeal to you. Or you can also try Pokémon Sun and Moon and its expanded versions, they have some of the most memorable characters in the entire franchise.
Do You Want to Explore an Open World?
If you would like to explore and discover a vast world with many secrets, then Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a perfect game, with its seamless real time catching system and focus on exploring the map. Or if you would like to play a traditional open world Pokemon game, then Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer some great open world gameplay.
Do You Want Something New and Different?
If you’re tired of the usual Pokémon formula, then Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is something completely different. Or you can try other spin-offs like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon or New Pokémon Snap.
Do You Want Something More Casual?
If you prefer a casual experience, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are a perfect choice. These are easy games that are perfect for beginners.
Also, consider what system you own. Some games are only available on certain consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, or older devices. So make sure you consider that before picking a game.
No matter which Pokémon game you choose, you’re bound to have a great time! Each game offers a unique adventure with new creatures, characters, and stories to experience. Just pick the one that sounds most exciting to you and start your Pokémon journey today!
Which Pokemon Game Should You Play First?
Final Thoughts
If you crave classic gameplay, choose Pokemon FireRed or LeafGreen. For a modern feel with open areas, pick Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Considering a balanced experience with many pokemon, Pokemon Sword or Shield are great.
Each game offers unique features and adventures. The ideal game depends on your preferences. So, what pokemon game should i play really boils down to personal taste. There’s a pokemon game for everyone and you must find what suits you best.
